I'm very intringued by MF. I've been shooting FF for quite some time and use that in a lot instances. I shoot Sony for sports and action. When on vacation however, I have always found My A1 and lenses to be big and attracting too much attention. I've had a RX1Rii for quite a few years and upgraded to the mark iii at launch. This is now my travel and EDC camera. I complement it with a RX100VII for longer shot.
I've had the chance to handle and use a bit of the GFX100RF and found it very interesting. I know it is only F4 and non IBS, but this doesn't bother me. I really like the Fuji Look and REALLY the aspect ratio capacity for framing (just wished Sony did a bit better on this aspect with a 61MP, they could). I like AF cameras and do not really use manual focus. Having experienced the cropping function on my RX, I'm stoke with the RF version using a 100MP sensor.
Having researched a bit, I started X2Dii with a 38mm. Now, I know this is the same category, but the size didn't seem that bad. Functions seem pretty good. It offers various aspect ratio as well. It shoots HDR, which I really do like (I do a lot of bracketing). This feature would appeal to me and would reduce my editing time (I think).
Anyone has experience with these 2 cameras as travel items? Is the x2dii really much bigger in person?
Seems like price is MUCH pricier for the HB as you get a more polyvalent camera with more tech, internal storage, IBIS and HDR. I also very much appreciate the HB menu system.
I know Fuji does the regular GFX series, but I've found it pretty bland looking when compared to the RF or the HB (you have to have some style, sometimes ). I've tried to find a local retailer for HB, but this doesn't seem to exist... Where I'm from.
I had the Fuji GF 100s II and now have the Hasselblad X2D II. I prefer the Hasselblad. It feels better in the hand and to me, it feels smaller on some ways vs the Fuji. I also like the images I get a bit better from the Hasselblad. For example, I was disappointed in how the fuji lenses handled sunstars . . . the Hasselblad seemed to do a much better job (I know this is likely the lenses). Also, using the 38 or 55v on the hasselblad was great for all day touring. Perhaps its the hand feel but I loved the hasselblad much more than the fuji with comparable lenses.
In my opinion the X2D II is an excellent travel camera. I am actually traveling with it right now. I mostly use the 38V but also took the 28P and the 75P with me although they mostly stay in the hotel.
I’ve taken the x2d2 and 38v on two trips now and really like the combo. Being able to go out in low light without a tripod is something else - it’s worth thinking about the other stuff that you won’t have to carry. And one gets used to the extra few stops of exposure in the highlights really fast.
The X2D2 & 38V make a great pair. I traveled Korea and Japan for six weeks with the X2D & 38V. I haven’t traveled since acquiring the X2D2. The latest iteration has even better IBIS, which makes hand held low light 100Mpix available, unlike the RF Fuji.
I read your comments and really think I would like the HB. However, buying some this important without seeing it first is kind of a problem. I guess it will be up to me to find a store locally that has it. Might be difficult. Wish me luck.
I will use GFXRF if 28-70 FF focal meet your goal or 35-70 with GFX100II for myself but any GFX body with 35-70 will do.
As a matter of fact, I tried RF as sole body trip in last Dec and maybe try 35-70 with 100Ii in up coming Feb Trip.
Latouf wrote:
I read your comments and really think I would like the HB. However, buying some this important without seeing it first is kind of a problem. I guess it will be up to me to find a store locally that has it. Might be difficult. Wish me luck.
Have you contacted Camtec? They have Hasselblad listed on their website but not sure if they actually have anything on display that you can try in-store.
Alternatively, a trip to Toronto might be necessary, but would first contact Vistek if they have anything to try in the store. They do list quite a number of used X2D 100C (not the version II) cameras on their site. Vistek also has an Ottawa location but I suspect it's a much smaller store with much more limited onsite inventory. Again, a call would be warranted.
Hasselblad also lists Aden Camera in Toronto/Markham as a dealer. From my experience their Markham store, which is tiny and in Pacific Mall, they have a surprisingly large in-store selection of high end equipment (at least Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica), but they had very limited 'hands on' options. Basically it's a place you go to when you know what you want to buy, and buy it. It was not really a hands-on 'tire-kicking' environment. Not sure if their downtown location is any different. However, Aden were very aggressive with pricing, at least for the Canon items I was interested in.
Otherwise you might have to make a trip to NYC. Not so bad from Montreal, about the same distance as Toronto and you should have a better selection of in-store equipment to evaluate at either Adorama or B&H. But of course, it would be best to call both to determine what they actually have available in-store. NYC is always a great photo opportunity, so perhaps that could be tied in with camera research.
It must be me, but I cannot imagine shooting 100mp for regular travel. I reserve my GFX100s only for travel where I know I’m going to shoot landscapes and even then it’s never my only camera. Too much resolution for most use cases.
That said, I do think the Hasselblad is far superior to the Fuji in ergonomics and size. You also pay a hefty price for that.
To OP question - Travel landscape use only:
For light weight carry and general shooting Fuji GFX100RF. Carrying the Ricoh GW-4 wide for in a pinch wides, or shoot panorama for LR stitching. Take along Q3-43 for cropping to 90mm. For more serious scenic trips but still “light weight” carry, X2D with 21 or 28p or 20-35/45p/75p.
i’ve looked at the camtec site and they aeems to have unit ( previous version) as a demo. i will go and see. Thanks again
rscheffler wrote:
Have you contacted Camtec? They have Hasselblad listed on their website but not sure if they actually have anything on display that you can try in-store.
Alternatively, a trip to Toronto might be necessary, but would first contact Vistek if they have anything to try in the store. They do list quite a number of used X2D 100C (not the version II) cameras on their site. Vistek also has an Ottawa location but I suspect it's a much smaller store with much more limited onsite inventory. Again, a call would be warranted.
Hasselblad also lists Aden Camera in Toronto/Markham as a dealer. From my experience their Markham store, which is tiny and in Pacific Mall, they have a surprisingly large in-store selection of high end equipment (at least Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica), but they had very limited 'hands on' options. Basically it's a place you go to when you know what you want to buy, and buy it. It was not really a hands-on 'tire-kicking' environment. Not sure if their downtown location is any different. However, Aden were very aggressive with pricing, at least for the Canon items I was interested in.
Otherwise you might have to make a trip to NYC. Not so bad from Montreal, about the same distance as Toronto and you should have a better selection of in-store equipment to evaluate at either Adorama or B&H. But of course, it would be best to call both to determine what they actually have available in-store. NYC is always a great photo opportunity, so perhaps that could be tied in with camera research. ...Show more →
Can you rent it somewhere? Some places will refund the rental fee if you buy from them, given that the price new is pretty much the same everywhere you won't loose any money.
I have had Leica M for several years as my main travel equipment and just recently caught the bug to MF - buying an X2DII and a few lenses. For landscapes, obviously can’t be beat. Size is of course bigger than Leica M, but compared to my Sony stuff it’s actually comparable. What’s not comparable is how amazing the IBIS is. I frequently take my X2DII out at night or low light environments, shooting over 1 sec handheld and its razor sharp from the IBIS. It has opened up so much creativity I haven’t had in any other system before. I have done 2.5 seconds handheld that is extremely sharp, never been able to do half that on any system before
Here are some examples from last week
1.4 seconds handheld
1.4 seconds handheld
Not as sharp….but 2 seconds handheld, I struggle with 1/12 on the M11
These threads result in people with different needs telling you what works best for them. Luckily, above there are users that have all the cameras considered. That said, the real issue is for you to figure out what capabilities another system must provide for you. I’ve used Flickr as one helpful tool. What do people with the Fuji shoot vs the Hasselblad? If you just want something, you can’t go wrong with any of the options above.
These handheld shots in lowlights are gorgeous. I'm jealous. I'm fine with the lactic acid of IBIS in my RX1riii and I don't necessarily mind higher ISO, but man, this is WAY different. The real question is, for the price premium over my A1ii with a fast lens, is it that much different and better in quality and weight.
I will go down to my local camera store which appears to be having previous versions X2D as a demo.
rsolti13 wrote:
I have had Leica M for several years as my main travel equipment and just recently caught the bug to MF - buying an X2DII and a few lenses. For landscapes, obviously can’t be beat. Size is of course bigger than Leica M, but compared to my Sony stuff it’s actually comparable. What’s not comparable is how amazing the IBIS is. I frequently take my X2DII out at night or low light environments, shooting over 1 sec handheld and its razor sharp from the IBIS. It has opened up so much creativity I haven’t had in any other system before. I have done 2.5 seconds handheld that is extremely sharp, never been able to do half that on any system before
I agree. But getting many people views is also helpful as it provides scenarios I dind't think about. My key take away for travelling is getting something relatively light. I shoot a lot of 35MM and have the A1ii and the 28-70 on most of the time when not the 35MM 1.4. These set up are not particularly big and heavy (well the 28-70 is bigger), but the still attract attention and in city travel of in hiking, the RX1Riii is better for my need of attracting less attention and much lesser weight.
Still the simple beauty of the Hasselblad, the great simple menu systems and possibility the 100MP sensor offer are very intriguing. I've also seen a few YT video showing the potential of editing HDR JPG/HEIF which seems to offer Iphone simplicity and MF quality.
Is it intriguing enough, inconspicuous enough and light enough, I don't know.
I do not mind paying for a good camera and system (the price of my A1 and lense is expensive), but here the usage case seems to dictate to me to not spend $12K on a body and lens for travel. If I could let go of my sony kits and use only HB, perhaps that would be different choice. But I think that despite better AF, HB is still not the camera for me when it comes to shooting action sports.
I've been intrigued by the GFXRF, a MF with slower lens and no IBIS. The price is lower and camera looks better than other GFX. Might try it and decide to replace my RX1riii with it (that is a difficult proposition as I really like the tiny size).
SteveF wrote:
I’ve taken the x2d2 and 38v on two trips now and really like the combo. Being able to go out in low light without a tripod is something else - it’s worth thinking about the other stuff that you won’t have to carry. And one gets used to the extra few stops of exposure in the highlights really fast.
This is a very good point. The IBIS is easily one of the top reasons to buy the X2Dii. It basically has a built-in tripod: you get the stability and sharpness for slow shutter shots, but you never have to carry the weight or mess with the setup.
It's pretty close to a perfect travel camera. These images are from my first trip with the X2Dii and 38mm.
Latouf wrote:
The real question is, for the price premium over my A1ii with a fast lens, is it that much different and better in quality and weight.
Yes. The files are much much better. You will see it and they are like camera crack.
The *real* question is if you actually need that in the field? Most don’t. But there’s nothing wrong with wanting it anyway.
There’s no IQ difference between the X2D and X2D2 so your plan is a good one. The newer camera is much better in every other way as a travel rig. But IQ is the same. IBIS on the X2D is still incredible. Just a bit more incredible on the mk2.
My X cameras are my main travel system. But I sell large prints as part of my living. My biggest seller is from a shot with a Sony A7R3. so there’s that. But I can’t imagine a better travel system for me. I only use my A1ii’s for wildlife. To me the X2D is the generalist and the A1ii is the specialist. But I’m weird….
Latouf wrote:
I agree. But getting many people views is also helpful as it provides scenarios I dind't think about. My key take away for travelling is getting something relatively light. I shoot a lot of 35MM and have the A1ii and the 28-70 on most of the time when not the 35MM 1.4. These set up are not particularly big and heavy (well the 28-70 is bigger), but the still attract attention and in city travel of in hiking, the RX1Riii is better for my need of attracting less attention and much lesser weight.
Still the simple beauty of the Hasselblad, the great simple menu systems and possibility the 100MP sensor offer are very intriguing. I've also seen a few YT video showing the potential of editing HDR JPG/HEIF which seems to offer Iphone simplicity and MF quality.
Is it intriguing enough, inconspicuous enough and light enough, I don't know.
I do not mind paying for a good camera and system (the price of my A1 and lense is expensive), but here the usage case seems to dictate to me to not spend $12K on a body and lens for travel. If I could let go of my sony kits and use only HB, perhaps that would be different choice. But I think that despite better AF, HB is still not the camera for me when it comes to shooting action sports.
I've been intrigued by the GFXRF, a MF with slower lens and no IBIS. The price is lower and camera looks better than other GFX. Might try it and decide to replace my RX1riii with it (that is a difficult proposition as I really like the tiny size). ...Show more →
It’s amazingly small for what it is (the camera, not the lenses), but inconspicuous it ain’t.
Strange when I think about it, but I use my M's mainly for local use and my X2Dii for travel and that is mostly air travel.
I travel with the 25V, 38V (on most of the time), 55V, 90V, 135/2.8 and now my 35-100. Once getting use to the zoom I will probably travel with 25V, 35-100, 135+1.7. That way I will have room to take an old CFi lens of my choosing. Too bad the Superachromtic 350 is so big.
As Gordon keeps wishing for, give me a 100-200 or longer like a 100-250 and then make it adaptable to the 1.7x.
). I've tried to find a local retailer for HB, but this doesn't seem to exist... Where I'm from.
